Clay S. Hester

Attorney, Partner

Clay Hester is a commercial litigator with experience representing clients in a wide range of matters in state and federal court, including complex contract and business disputes, construction litigation, intellectual property litigation, and various real estate disputes. Clay regularly counsels clients in the construction industry on issues including performance and payment bond claims, filing, enforcing or defending mechanic's liens, delay claims, design-related issues, and defective construction materials. In addition to Clay’s construction practice, he also has experience representing clients in various trademark matters, including Lanham Act claims, trademark registration and maintenance, and in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Office.

Clay is licensed to practice in both Virginia and North Carolina. Before joining Spotts Fain, he practiced with a firm in North Carolina that served as national and regional counsel to various clients in the trucking and aviation industries.

Education

  • University of North Carolina School of Law (J.D., 2015)
    • North Carolina Law Review, North Carolina Issue Editor, 2014-2015
  • University of North Carolina (B.A., History and Political Science, 2010)

Bar Admissions

  • Virginia
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of Virginia
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina

Clerkships

  • The Honorable Martha A. Geer, North Carolina Court of Appeals, 2015-2016

Past Employment Positions

  • Strauch, Green & Mistretta, P.C., 2016-2018

Community Involvement

  • Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer
  • RVA Carolina Club

Honors and Awards

  • 2021-2024 Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch for Commercial Litigation
  • Virginia Lawyers Weekly Up and Coming Lawyers, 2023

Off the Clock

Clay is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends and is a passionate fan of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.